A little tip to get you more prepared is to make sure your
heels never hit the ground once you are inside the service
line. Being on your toes helps you to be prepared to move
to the forehand or backhand side as well as help you move
forward for that low volley or back for that difficult lob.
Many times players will run to the net only to get flatfooted
and in a defensive position. You want to remember that you
are going to the net to win the point and not just to be
court furniture! Once you get in an offensive position on
the court you need to do your best to hit offensive shots.
Staying back on your heels keeps you from being prepared and
has you in a position where you are waiting on the ball. A
good player knows that she needs to go to the ball rather
than waiting on the ball coming to her.

Think of stepping on hot coals once you get to the net! Keep
those feet active and ready to go. You might have all the
other parts of your net game working just fine except you
aren't really ready to volley or move for lobs. Watch the
players on tour and you'll see some happy feet. They make
everything look so effortless because their good footwork
keeps them ready and in a good position. Staying on the
balls of your feet rather than your toes should also make
you more aggressive by allowing you to transfer your weight
forward into the incoming ball.

Now think about whom you would want as an opponent or a
partner? Would it be flat footed Felecia or toe tappin'
Tina? I would definitely like to see the flat footed one
as an opponent, and have the ready to move, aggressive
player as a partner. Don't be a heel -- stay on your toes
and I bet you'll see a foot of progress!

If you have not already signed up to receive our free e-mail
newsletter Tennis Server INTERACTIVE, you can sign up here.
You will receive notification each month of changes at the Tennis
Server and news of new columns posted on our site.

"Tennis Server" is a registered trademark
and "Tennis Server INTERACTIVE" is a trademark of Tennis Server. All
original material and graphics on the Tennis Server are copyrighted
1994 - by Tennis Server and its sponsors and contributors.
Please do not reproduce without permission.